Japan may lift arms export ban for international groups - Kyodo

February 10, 2014|Reuters

TOKYO, Feb 11 (Reuters) - Japan may allow exports of defenceequipment to international organisations such as those involvedin U.N. peacekeeping operations on condition they do not takesides in conflicts, Kyodo News reported on Tuesday.

Under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan is reviewing variousaspects of defence including its self-imposed ban on weaponsexports.

But resentment of Japan's wartime aggression runs deep inboth China and South Korea and any decision by Japan to becomemore active militarily is likely to cause tension.

Japan in 1967 drew up "three principles" on arms exports,banning sales to countries with communist governments, thoseinvolved in international conflicts or those subject to U.N.sanctions.

The rules eventually became almost a blanket ban on armsexports and on the development and production of weapons withcountries other than the United States, making it difficult forJapanese defence contractors to drive down costs and keep upwith arms technology.

The government is also considering easing rules on thetransfer of its defence equipment to third parties, Kyodo said.

Under current rules, countries buying defence equipment fromJapan need to get Japan's approval before they can transfer itto a third party.

Abe, who took office at the end of 2012, aims to liftconstraints placed by Japan's post-war pacifist constitution onits military.

Article 9 of the constitution, drafted by occupying U.S.forces after the country's defeat in World War Two, renouncesthe right to wage war and, if taken literally, rules out thevery notion of a standing army.